Probe and inverting apparatus

ABSTRACT

An invertor (10) is disclosed including first and second probes (12, 14) which are pivotably mounted to a U-shaped housing (20) and to a block (18) which is reciprocally mounted to the housing (20) by guide shafts (38). The block (18) is reciprocated by a rotary actuator (42) between a first position where the probes (12, 14) are in a parallel relation and a second position where the probes (12, 14) are in line. The suction pin (80) of the first probe (12) is extended to attach to the first surface (96) of the chip (98) and then retracted. The probes (12, 14) are then moved to their in line relation where the chip (98) is passed from the first probe (12) to the second probe (14) by attaching the opposing surface (100) of the chip (98) to the suction pin (80) of the second probe (14). After moving the probes (12, 14) to their parallel relation, the suction pin (80) of the second probe (14) is extended to place and release the chip (98). In the most preferred form, probes (12, 14) include a housing (72) divided into upper and lower chambers (74, 76) by an insert (78) which also reciprocally receives the suction pin (80). The suction pin (80) includes a piston (86) to define a pressure chamber (88) with the insert (78). Chambers (74, 88) are subjected to fluid pressure, vacuum, or vented to attach the suction pin (80) to the chip (98) and/or to reciprocate the suction pin (80) within the housing (72).

CROSS REFERENCE

The present application is a filing under 35 USC §371 based uponinternational application No. PCT/US 91/00288 filed Jan. 15, 1991 whichis a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 07/466,015 filedJan. 16, 1990, now abandoned.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to devices for handling articlessuch as computer chips and particularly to inverting apparatus and topick up probes.

During the manufacture of articles such as computer chips, such articlesmust be tested for operability, efficiency, and other conditions. It isespecially desirable to automate such testing to reduce the amount oflabor required in performing such tests. Thus, a need exists for deviceswhich mechanically handle such articles to allow automated testing. Thisneed includes devices or probes which are able to pick up and/or placesuch articles at desired locations and which do not have a tendency todamage such articles including delicate parts thereof such as theconnecting leads on a computer chip. This need also includes devices forinverting such articles to allow automated testing on both sides of thearticle, which devices also not having a tendency to damage sucharticles including delicate parts thereof such as the connecting leadson a computer chip.

SUMMARY

The present invention solves these needs and other problems in the fieldof chip handling by providing, in the most preferred form, a method forinverting an article where the first surface of an article is attachedand then moved in a first direction. The article is then tipped 90° andthe second opposing surface is then attached. After release of the firstsurface, the article is then again tipped 90°. After moving the articlein a direction opposite to the first direction, the second surface ofthe article is released, with the article being inverted from itsinitial position.

In a preferred form, the article is inverted by an apparatus whichselectively positions first and second probes between a first, parallelrelation and a second, in line relation, with the probes includingreciprocal pins for removable attachment to the article. In a mostpreferred form, the probes are pivotably mounted to a housing and to ablock which is reciprocally mounted relative to the housing, with theprobes being simultaneously pivoted as the block is reciprocated betweenfirst and second positions.

In a further aspect of the present invention, a probe is providedincluding a pin reciprocally mounted in a housing for reciprocation inupper and lower chambers. The pin includes a piston which defines apressure chamber in the lower chamber and includes an internal passagein fluid communication with the upper chamber. Fluid communication isprovided to the upper chamber and the pressure chamber for removablyattaching an article to the pin and/or for reciprocating the pin withinthe housing.

It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a novelinverting method.

It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a novelinverting apparatus.

It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a novel probe.

It is further an object of the present invention to provide such a novelprobe including a reciprocating pin which only retracts when an articleis attached thereto.

It is further an object of the present invention to provide such a novelprobe which utilizes fluid pressure and vacuum acting on a piston toreciprocate the pin.

It is further an object of the present invention to provide such a novelprobe having a volume reducing chamber from the pin retracting into thechamber.

It is further an object of the present invention to provide such a novelprobe providing very soft handling of the article.

It is further an object of the present invention to provide such novelinverting method and apparatus providing very soft handling of thearticle.

It is further an object of the present invention to provide such novelinverting method and apparatus of a relatively simple design.

It is further an object of the present invention to provide such novelinverting method and apparatus which passes the article between firstand second probes movable between parallel and in line positions.

These and further objects and advantages of the present invention willbecome clearer in light of the following detailed description of anillustrative embodiment of this invention described in connection withthe drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The illustrative embodiments may best be described by reference to theaccompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 shows an exploded, perspective view of an invertor includingprobes according to the preferred teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows an exploded, perspective view of the probe of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3-5 show front views of the invertor of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 shows a cross sectional view of the probe of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 shows an exploded, perspective view of an alternate embodiment ofan invertor according to the preferred teachings of the presentinvention.

All figures are drawn for ease of explanation of the basic teachings ofthe present invention only; the extensions of the Figures with respectto number, position, relationship, and dimensions of the parts to formthe preferred embodiment will be explained or will be within the skillof the art after the following teachings of the present invention havebeen read and understood.

Where used in the various figures of the drawings, the same numeralsdesignate the same or similar parts. Furthermore, when the terms"first", "second", "vertical", "horizontal", "central", "upper", "side","end", and similar terms are used herein, it should be understood thatthese terms have reference only to the structure shown in the drawingsas it would appear to a person viewing the drawings and are utilizedonly to facilitate describing the invention.

DESCRIPTION

An apparatus for inverting an article such as a chip on a conveyor orthe like according to the preferred teachings of the present inventionis shown in the drawings and generally designated 10. Inverter 10generally includes first and second probes 12 and 14 which are pivotablymounted to a stationary mount 16 and to a reciprocating block 18.

In the most preferred form, mount 16 includes a U-shaped housing 20including a central plate 22 and first and second upstanding legs 24.Suitable provisions 26 such as mounting apertures are provided formounting housing 22 in a stationary condition relative to conveyor 28.An L-shaped actuator mounting plate 30 is secured to the upper end ofhousing 22 such as by screws 32 extending through the horizontal leg 33of plate 30. A lower end plate 34 is secured to the opposite end ofhousing 22 such as by screws 36. First and second guide shafts 38 aremounted and extend between horizontal leg 33 of plate 30 and plate 34parallel to and spaced from each other, from plate 22, and from legs 24.It should be appreciated that guide shafts 38 may be mounted in anysuitable manner such as being press fit in and upstanding from plate 34or from horizontal leg 33 of plate 30, may be slideably captured betweenhorizontal leg 33 of plate 30 and plate 34, or may be similarly mounted.

Block 18 in the most preferred form is generally an inverted T-shape andis reciprocally mounted on guide shafts 38 such as by passages 40 formedin block 18 for slideably receiving guide shafts 38. Block 18 isreciprocated on guide shafts 38 within housing 20 by a rotary actuator42 mounted to the vertical leg 43 of plate 30 such as by screws 44. Inthe preferred form, the output shaft 45 of actuator 42 passes through abore formed in vertical leg 43 of plate 30 and is rotatably secured toan end of a crank am 46. The first end of a connecting wire 47 isrotatably secured to the opposite end of crank arm 46 such as by beingsecured to a ring 48 rotatably mounted by a bushing 49 located on ascrew threadably received adjacent the free end of crank arm 46. Wire 47extends from crank arm 46 through a bore 51 formed in horizontal leg 33of plate 30 and has its opposite end secured to block 18. In thepreferred form, a channel 52 is formed in block 18 parallel to andintermediate passages 40, with wire 47 being attached the head of block18 in the closed end of channel 52.

In the most preferred form, rotary actuator 42 rotates output shaft 45180° and specifically between a first position wherein crank arm 46 isgenerally vertical with ring 48 located below output shaft 45 and asecond position wherein crank arm 46 is generally vertical with ring 48located above output shaft 45. It can then be appreciated that due tothe connection of wire 47 between the free end of crank arm 46 and block18, as output shaft 45 is rotated, block 18 reciprocates on guide shafts38 between a first position adjacent to end plate 34 and a secondposition adjacent to plate 30. It should then be appreciated thatsuitable bumpers may be provided on plate 30 and/or 34 to act as shockabsorbers to reduce the force with which block 18 may engage plate 30and/or 34.

Mounting blocks 54 are pivotally mounted on the opposite sides of block18 such as by pivot pins 56 press fit in blocks 54 and rotatablyreceived in bearings 58 secured in block 18, with a spacer 60intermediate block 18 and block 54. Pivot links 62 are pivotally mountedon the opposite sides of housing 20 such as by pivot pins 64 received inbores 66 formed in legs 24 of housing 20 and in bearings 67 secured inpivot links 62. Pivot links 62 are pivotally mounted to mounting blocks54 by dowel pins 68 press fit in block 54 and rotatably received in abearing secured in link 62. Probes 12 and 14 are mounted on mountingblocks 54 on opposite sides of block 18 such as by screws 70.

It can then be appreciated that due to the pivotal mounting of probes 12and 14 about stationary pivot pins 64 and about movable pivot pins 56,the positioning of probes 12 and 14 relative to each other changes withthe reciprocation of block 18 within housing 20 by actuator 42.Specifically, and in the preferred form, with block 18 in its firstposition adjacent end plate 34, probes 12 and 14 are in a vertical,parallel relation. However, with the rotation of actuator 42 movingblock 18 to its second position adjacent plate 30, probes 12 and 14 arein a horizontal, in line relation.

Inverter 10 according to the preferred teachings of the presentinvention also includes probes 12 and 14 of a unique and advantageousconstruction. Specifically, probes 12 and 14 generally include a housing72 divided to define an upper air chamber 74 and a lower chamber 76 byan insert 78. Probes 12 and 14 further include a suction pin 80slideably mounted in insert 78 and reciprocally mounted in chambers 74and 76. In the most preferred form, suction pin 80 includes an upperportion 82 having a square or other non-circular cross section, withinsert 78 having a passage 84 of a complementary configuration toprevent rotation of suction pin 80 within housing 72 and insert 78. Apiston 86 is secured to suction pin 80 for reciprocation within chamber76 for defining a lower air chamber 88 between insert 78 and piston 86.Suitable provisions 90 and 92 such as ports are provided to allow fluidcommunication to chambers 74 and 88. Pin 80 includes an internal passage94 in communication with air chamber 74.

In the most preferred form, suction pin 80 includes a sleeve 110 whichremovably receives and is in fluid communication with a probe tip 112having a suitable suction cup. 114, with probe tips 112 and cups 114being of various types and configurations. Sleeve 110 includes upperportion 82 and a lower portion 116, with piston 86 being slideablyreceived on and sealing with portion 116. Suitable provisions such as asnap ring 118 received in a groove formed in sleeve 110 may be providedfor holding piston 86 in place on sleeve 110.

In the most preferred form, housing 72 is formed by a chamber portion120 including a through passage 122. A first enlarged bore 124 extendsfrom the first end of portion 120 concentric with passage 122 andterminating at a location spaced from the second end of portion 120.Piston 86 is reciprocally received in a cylinder tube 126 which in turnis slideably received in bore 124. Tube 126 is held in bore 124 by anO-ring 128 received in a groove formed in chamber portion 120, withO-ring 128 also sealing tube 126 with bore 124 and also acting as a stopto prevent piston 86 from sliding out the free end of cylinder tube 126.It can then be appreciated that tube 126 can be formed of low frictionmaterial such as pyrex glass and piston 86 can be similarly formed oflow friction material such as carbon which facilitates reciprocation ofpiston 86 in tube 126 and which allows reduced tolerance requirementsfor bore 124 such that housing 72 may be easily formed of aluminum.

Chamber portion 120 includes a second enlarged bore 130 extending fromthe second end of portion 120 concentric with passage 122 andterminating at a location spaced from bore 124. Chamber portion 120further includes a third enlarged bore 132 extending from the second endof portion 120 concentric with passage 122 and bore 130 and terminatesat a location spaced from bore 124 and the termination of bore 130, withbore 132 being larger than bore 130. Insert 78 is of a size and shapecomplementary to, for slideable receipt in, and for sealing with bore130.

Housing 72 is further formed by a top portion 134 according to thepreferred teachings of the present invention having an outsideconfiguration generally the same as chamber portion 120. The lower endof top portion 134 includes a removed portion to define a projecting lip136 having a radial size complementary to but slightly smaller than bore132 and a length generally equal to the depth of bore 132. Lip 136includes a diagonal key slot 138 of a depth less than the height thatlip 136 projects from top portion 134. Insert 78 includes upstandingtabs 140 which extend into bore 132 and are received within key slot 138to prevent relative rotation of insert 78 with respect to top portion134 and thus of housing 72, with the height of tabs 140 being less thanthe depth of key slot 138 to provide a fluid path therebetween. Suitablesealing means such as an O-ring 142 is provided between bore 132 and lip136. Top portion 134 may be secured to chamber portion 120 by suitablemeans such as screws 144 extending through chamber portion 120 andthreadably received in lip 136 of top portion 134. A bore 146 isprovided in top portion 134 generally contiguous and in line withpassage 122 for reciprocal receipt of upper portion 82 of sleeve 110.

In the most preferred form, mounting block 54 includes parallel mountingears 148 which are slideably received in slots 150 formed in chamberportion 120 for maintaining the relative position thereof when probes 12and 14 are secured by screws 70 extending through mounting block 54 andthreadably received in chamber portion 120. It can be appreciated thatmounting block 54 includes suitable passages for fluid communicationwith ports 90 and 92 of housing 72 of probes 12 and 14.

It can then be appreciated that pin 80 can be reciprocated in housing 72by applying fluid pressure to chamber 88 to extend pin 80 from housing72 or by withdrawing fluid pressure under a vacuum from chamber 88 toretract pin 80 into housing 72. It can further be appreciated that fluidpressure can be applied to chamber 74 such that fluid pressure will passthrough passage 94 of pin 80 and that fluid pressure can be withdrawnunder a vacuum from chamber 74 such that passage 94 of pin 80 islikewise under vacuum. It should then be appreciated that if passage 94is blocked such as by a chip 98 attached to the lower end of pin 80, pin80 will be biased to retract into housing 72 to reduce the overallvolume of chamber 74 and passage 94 under a vacuum force.

Now that the basic construction of invertor 10 and probes 12 and 14 hasbeen explained, the operation, subtle features, and advantages thereofcan be set forth and appreciated. For purposes of explanation, it willbe assumed that block 18 is in its first position with probes 12 and 14in their vertical, parallel relation and that pins 80 are retractedwithin housing 72 of probes 12 and 14. Fluid pressure may be introducedinto chamber 88 through port 92 of probe 12 to extend pin 80 of probe12. Prior to or when the lower end of pin 80 engages the upper surface96 of a chip 98 on a conveyor 28 or the like, chamber 74 of probe 12 maybe subjected to a vacuum to attach surface 96 of chip 98 to pin 80.After attachment, fluid pressure to chamber 88 of probe 12 may beterminated and chamber 88 may be vented with the venting of chamber 88,pin 80 will retract in a first direction generally perpendicular tosurface 96 into housing 72 of probe 12 under the vacuum force of chamber74. After pin 80 of probe 12 is retracted, block 18 may be reciprocatedto its second position by actuator 42 such that probes 12 and 14 are intheir horizontal, in line relation and chip 98 is tipped 90° withsurface 96 being parallel to the first, retraction direction of probe12. At that time, pin 80 of probe 12 may be extended in a directionwhich is perpendicular to the first, retraction direction of probe 12 byapplying fluid pressure to chamber 88. Pin 80 of probe 14 may also beextended in a direction which is perpendicular to the first, retractiondirection of probe 12 by applying fluid pressure to chamber 88 so thatpin 80 of probe 14 abuts the lower surface 100 of chip 98 which isopposing surface 96. Prior to or when pin 80 of probe 14 engages surface100, chamber 74 of probe 14 may be subjected to a vacuum to attachsurface 100 of chip 98 to pin 80 of probe 14. After attachment to pin 80of probe 14, the vacuum to chamber 74 of probe 12 may be discontinuedand chamber 74 of probe 12 may be vented to release the attachment ofpin 80 of probe 12 to chip 98. After attachment to probe 14, fluidpressure to chamber 88 of probe 14 may be terminated and chamber 88 ofprobe 14 may be vented with the venting of chamber 88 of probe 14, pin80 of probe 14 will retract into housing 72 of probe 14 under the vacuumforce of chamber 74 of probe 14. After release, a vacuum may beintroduced into chamber 88 of probe 12 to retract pin 80 within housing72 of probe 12. After the retraction of pins 80 of probes 12 and 14,block 18 may be reciprocated to its first position by actuator 42 suchthat probes 12 and 14 are in their vertical, parallel relation and chip98 is tipped 90° with surface 100 being perpendicular to the first,retraction direction of probe 12. At that time, pin 80 or probe 14 maybe extended in a direction opposite to the first, retraction directionof probe 12 by applying fluid pressure to chamber 88 until surface 96 ofchip 98 engages conveyor 28 and surface 100 now being on top. At thattime, the vacuum to chamber 74 of probe 14 may be discontinued torelease chip 98, with chamber 74 of probe 14 either being vented orsubjected to a puff of fluid pressure to push chip 98 away from thelower end of pin 80. After release, pin 80 of probe 14 may be retractedby placing chamber 88 of probe 14 under a vacuum. At that time, chip 98may be conveyed on conveyor 28 but in an inverted condition.

It can then be appreciated that invertor 10 is able to invert chip 98utilizing a relatively simple mechanism which does not attach to orutilize the chip leads in the inverting method. Thus, invertor 10 is notas prone to chip damage or breakage as in prior inverting apparatus.

The configuration Of block 18 is believed to be advantageous accordingto the preferred teachings of the present invention. Specifically,channel 52 allows the nesting of wire 47 such that the overall height ofinvertor 10 can be reduced while the length of passages 40 can bemaximized to allow free reciprocation of block 18 on guide shafts 38without binding.

Further, the construction of probes 12 and 14 is believed to beadvantageous according to the preferred teachings of the presentinvention. Specifically, chamber 88 which may be subjected to pressureor a vacuum to reciprocate pins 80 allows the soft handling of chips 98in comparison to prior probes which utilized springs to bias the pin inone direction or which utilized physical movement of the probe to pushthe pin. Further, the use of pin 80 reciprocating in chamber 74 to causea volume reduction when under vacuum and the elimination of springbiasing forces of prior probes, allows the vacuum applied to pin 80 toretract pin 80 within probes 12 and 14. This is particularlyadvantageous since if chip 98 does not abut the lower end of pin 80,passage 94 is open to the atmosphere. Pin 80 retracts only when chip 98abuts the-lower end of pin 80 to close pin so and chamber 74 such thatthe vacuum will reduce the overall volume of chamber 74 and passage 94to retract pin so within chamber 74. Thus, mechanical control can beeasily accomplished by detecting the vacuum pressure applied to chamber74 and/or by detecting the retraction of pin 80 in signaling attachmentto chip 98 by probes 12 and 14.

Further, the method of reciprocation of block 18 and probes 12 and 14mounted thereon is believed to be particularly advantageous according tothe preferred teachings of the present invention. Specifically, block 18is reciprocated at a sinusoidal rate of velocity due to the pivotalmounting of the end of wire 47 to the free end of crank arm 46 which isrotated by shaft 45 of actuator 42. This sinusoidal drive effect mayalso be possibly enhanced by electrically controlling actuator 42 torotate shaft 45 at a sinusoidal rate of velocity. This sinusoidal driveeffect allows the velocity of block 18 to approach zero when approachingplates 30 and 34 to prevent the abrupt stopping of block 18 which mayshake chips 98 attached to probes 12 and 14 to either detach therefromor to slip in position relative thereto.

Now that the basic teachings of the present invention have beenexplained, many extensions and variations will be obvious to one havingordinary skill in the art. For example, invertor 10 can includeprovisions for varying the overall vertical position of probes 12 and14. In a preferred form of a further embodiment of the present inventionas shown in FIG. 7, mount 16 includes central plate 22 including firstand second spaced, vertical grooves 152 and 154. The vertical leg 143 ofactuator mounting plate 30 is secured to the upper end of central plate22 such as by screws 32. The track portions of reciprocable slides 156and 158 are mounted within grooves 152 and 154 such as by screws 160.Slides 156 and 158 in the most preferred form are of the ball slide typesuch as sold by Del.Tron Precision, Inc. of Brookfield, Conn.

Mount 16 further includes a U-shaped link mounting plate 162. Plate 162generally includes first and second legs 164 which extend in a spaced,parallel manner from the opposite ends of a central portion 166. Bores66 are formed in and adjacent to the free ends of legs 164 of mount 16.A block 168 is secured to the slide portion of slide 158 such as byscrews 170 for reciprocal movement relative to central plate 22. Plate162 is secured to block 168 and in the preferred form in a mannerallowing side-to-side adjustment while providing close tolerances forvertical positioning. Specifically, spaced first and second pins 172 arepress fit into block 168 and extend into elongated slots 174 in centralportion 166 of plate 162. Slots 174 can be machined or otherwise formedwith close tolerances relative to pins 172 to prevent vertical movementbut allowing horizontal or side-to-side movement. To hold plate 162 inposition relative to block 168, a screw 176 extends through an elongatedslot 177 formed in central portion 166 of plate 162 and is threadablyreceived in block 168. Block 168 and plate 162 secured thereto arereciprocated on slide 158 by a linear actuator 178 mounted to thehorizontal leg 133 of plate 30 such as by screws 180. In the preferredform, the output shaft 182 of actuator 178 passes through a bore 184formed in horizontal leg 133 and is threadably received in block 168.

In the preferred form, actuator 178 moves shaft 182 linearly in avertical direction. It can then be appreciated that with verticalmovement of plate 162 and block 168 secured to shaft 182, bores 66formed in plate 162 and pins 64 about which links 62 pivotcorrespondingly move vertically. It can be appreciated that plates 22and 162 and block 168 form housing 20 which allows pivot pins 64defining the pivot axes for links 62 and probes 12 and 14 to bevertically movable in a controlled manner. Linear actuator 178 allowsthe overall vertical positioning of probes 12 and 14 to be variedwithout abrupt movement or stopping which may shake chips 98 attached toprobes 12 and 14 to either detach therefrom or to slip in positionrelative thereto.

Block 18 in the most preferred form is secured to the slide portion ofslide 156 such as by screws 186 for reciprocal movement relative tocentral plate 22. Block 18 is reciprocated on slide 156 by a linearactuator 188 also mounted to horizontal leg 133 of plate 30 such as byscrews 190. In the preferred form, the output shaft 192 of actuator 188passes through a bore 194 formed in horizontal leg 133 and is threadablyreceived in block 18. In the preferred form, actuator 188 moves shaft192 and block 18 secured thereto linearly in a vertical direction.Linear actuator 188 pivots probes 12 and 14 between their vertical,parallel relation and their horizontal, in line relation without abruptmovement or stopping which may shake chips 98 attached to probes 12 and14 to either detach therefrom or to slip in position relative thereto.In the form shown in FIG. 7, pivot pins 56 are rotatable relative toblock 18 by bearings 58, with the bearing mount 196 spacing block 18from block 54.

It can be appreciated that due to the pivotal mounting of probes 12 and14 about pivot pins 56 and 64, the positioning of probes 12 and 14relative to each other changes with the reciprocation of block 18relative to plate 162 of mount 16 by actuator 188 in the manner as setforth for FIGS. 1 and 3-5. However, with invertor 10 of the embodimentof FIG. 7, the vertical position of pivot pins 64 and thus of probes 12and 14 can be varied by actuation of actuator 178. It can further beappreciated that the degree of movement of chip 98 is no longerdependent upon the stroke of suction pins 80 of probes 12 and 14. Thus,invertor 10 of FIG. 7 allows chip 98 to be removed from and placed uponconveyors 28 of unequal heights and/or allows invertor 10 to tip largerchips 98 of a size which would abut conveyor 28 if suction pins 80 weresimply retracted into probes 12 and 14 and then probes 12 and 14 tilted.It can also be appreciated that actuator 188 may be simultaneouslyactuated with actuator 178 to maintain the relative positions betweenpivot pins 56 and 64 and thus the relative relations of probes 12 and 14as plate 162 is moved by actuator 178.

Further, although probes 12 and 14 of the type disclosed in thepreferred form are believed to be particularly advantageous and producesynergistic results when utilized with invertor 10 according to theteachings of the present invention, invertor 10 may utilize other typesand forms of probes according to the teachings of the present invention.For example, fluid communication can be applied directly to sleeve 110extending through a passage formed in top portion 134 and chamber 74 canbe omitted from probes 12 and 14.

Likewise, it can be appreciated that probes 12 and 14 according to theteachings of the present invention may be utilized in other applicationsthan in invertor 10 of the preferred forms where automated handling ofchips 98 or other articles is desired.

It is claimed:
 1. Apparatus for inverting an article having a firstsurface and an opposing second surface, comprising, in combination: afirst probe having a first axis and including a pin reciprocal in aprobe housing along the first axis for removable attachment to thearticle; a second probe having a second axis and including a pinreciprocal in a probe housing along the second axis for removableattachment to the article; and means for selectively positioning thefirst probe and the second probe in a first parallel relation and in asecond, in line relation, with the first and second axes of the firstand second probes being spaced and parallel in the first parallelrelation and being in line in the second, in line relation so that thepin of the first probe can be attached to the first surface and the pinof the second probe can be simultaneously attached to the second surfaceof the article.
 2. The inverting apparatus of claim 1 wherein each ofthe probe housings of the first and second probes is divided into anupper chamber and a lower chamber; and wherein the first and secondprobes each comprise, in combination: means for reciprocally mountingthe pin in the probe housing for reciprocation within the upper andlower chambers; a piston secured to the pin for defining a pressurechamber in the lower chamber; means for providing fluid communication tothe upper chamber; means for providing fluid communication to thepressure chamber independent of the upper chamber for reciprocating thepin within the probe housing; and an internal passage in the pin influid communication with the upper chamber and in fluid communicationwith the means for providing fluid communication to the upper chamberand without fluid communication with the pressure chamber.
 3. Theinverting apparatus of claim 2 wherein each of the probe housingscomprises, in combination: a chamber portion having a first end and asecond end; and a top portion, with the lower chamber formed by a firstbore extending from the first end of the chamber portion to a locationspaced from the second end of the chamber portion, with a second boreextending from the second end of the chamber portion to a locationspaced from the first bore, with the top portion enclosing the secondbore to define the upper chamber, with a passage interconnecting thefirst and second bores for reciprocal receipt of the pin.
 4. Theinverting apparatus of claim 2 wherein the probes further comprise, incombination: means located in the passage for preventing rotation of thepin relative to the probe housing.
 5. The inverting apparatus of claim 4wherein the rotation preventing means comprises, in combination: anupper portion of the pin having a cross section which is non-circular,with the upper portion being slideably mounted in the passage having acomplementary shape and size.
 6. The inverting apparatus of claim 5wherein the rotation preventing means comprises, in combination: aninsert mounted in the passage for slideably receiving the upper portionof the pin and including at least one upstanding tab; and a third boreextending from the second end of the chamber portion to a locationbeyond the second bore and spaced from the first bore of a size forsealing receipt of the insert; and a key slot formed in the top portionfor receipt of the tab of the insert.
 7. The inverting apparatus ofclaim 3 further comprising, in combination: a cylinder tube slideablyreceived in the first bore, with the piston being reciprocally receivedin the cylinder tube; and means for sealing the cylinder tube with thefirst bore.
 8. The inverting apparatus of claim 7 wherein the sealingmeans comprises an O-ring received in the chamber portion adjacent tothe first end, with the O-ring also acting as a stop for preventing thepiston from sliding out of the cylinder tube.
 9. The inverting apparatusof claim 1 further comprising, in combination: an inverter housing; andwherein the selectively positioning means comprises, in combination:means for pivotally mounting the first probe to the inverter housingabout a first pivot axis; means for pivotally mounting the second probeto the inverter housing about a second pivot axis which is at a constantspacing from the first pivot axis of the first probe; and means forpivoting the first and second probes about the first and second pivotaxes and relative to the inverter housing.
 10. The inverting apparatusof claim 9 wherein the pivoting means comprises means for simultaneouslypivoting the first and second probes relative to the inverter housing.11. The inverting apparatus of claim 9 wherein the pivoting meanscomprises, in combination: a block; means for pivotably mounting thefirst probe to the block about a third, pivot axis; means for pivotablymounting the second probe to the block about a fourth, pivot axis; andmeans for moving the block between a first position with the first andsecond probes in their first relation and a second position with thefirst and second probes in their second relation, with the third andfourth axes being parallel and constantly spaced during movement of theblock.
 12. The inverting apparatus of claim 11 wherein the moving meanscomprises, in combination: at least a first guide shaft mounted to theinverter housing; means for reciprocally mounting the block to the guideshaft; and means for reciprocating the block on the guide shaft.
 13. Theinverting apparatus of claim 12 wherein the reciprocating meanscomprises, in combination: a rotary actuator mounted to the inverterhousing, with the rotary actuator having an output shaft; a crank armconnected at a first end to the output shaft of the rotary actuator; andmeans for connecting the free end of the crank arm to the block.
 14. Theinverting apparatus of claim 11 wherein the moving means comprises, incombination: a slide comprising a track portion secured to one of theinverter housing and the block and a slide portion secured to the otherof the inverter housing and the block; and means for reciprocating theblock on the slide.
 15. The inverting apparatus of claim 14 wherein thereciprocating means comprises a linear actuator mounted to the inverterhousing, with the linear actuator having an output shaft, with theoutput shaft being connected to the block.
 16. The inverting apparatusof claim 9 or claim 11 wherein the inverter housing includes a centralplate; a mounting plate; and means for reciprocally moving the mountingplate relative to the central plate, with the first and second probesbeing pivotally mounted to the mounting plate of the inverter housing.17. The inverting apparatus of claim 16 wherein the reciprocally movingmeans comprises a linear actuator mounted to the central plate, with thelinear actuator having an output shaft, with the output shaft beingconnected to the mounting plate.
 18. The inverting apparatus of claim 17wherein the reciprocally moving means further comprises a slideincluding a track portion secured to one of the central plate and themounting plate and a slide portion secured to the other of the centralplate and the mounting plate.
 19. Method of inverting a flat articlehaving a first surface and an opposing, parallel, second surface,comprising the steps of: attaching a first pin to the first surface ofthe article; moving the article in a first direction perpendicular tothe first surface after the first pin is attached to the first surface;initially tipping the article after the article is moved in the firstdirection so that the first surface is parallel to the first direction;attaching a second pin to the second surface of the article after thearticle is initially tipped, releasing the attachment of the first pinto the first surface of the article after the second pin is attached tothe second surface; subsequently tipping the article so that the secondsurface is perpendicular to the first direction after the attachment ofthe first pin is released from the first surface; moving the article ina second direction opposite to the first direction after the article issubsequently tipped; and releasing the attachment of the second pin tothe second surface after the article is moved in the second direction.20. The method of claim 19 further comprising the step of moving thearticle in a third direction perpendicular to the first and seconddirections intermediate the tipping steps.
 21. The method of claim 19 orclaim 20 wherein the step of attaching the first pin comprises the stepof: attaching a first, reciprocal pin of a first probe to the firstsurface of the article; wherein the step of attaching the second pincomprises the step of: attaching a second, reciprocal pin of a secondprobe to the second surface of the article; wherein the moving stepscomprise the steps of moving the reciprocal pin of the probe; andwherein the method further comprises the step of varying the overallpositioning of the probes in the first and second directions. 22.Apparatus for inverting an article having a first surface and anopposing second surface, comprising, in combination: a first probehaving a first axis and including a pin reciprocal along the first axisfor removable attachment to the article; a second probe having a secondaxis and including a pin reciprocal along the second axis for removableattachment to the article; a housing; means for pivotally mounting thefirst probe to the housing about a third axis; means for pivotallymounting the second probe to the housing about a fourth axis which is ata constant spacing from the third axis of the first probe; and means forpivoting the first and second probes relative to the housing about thethird and fourth axes.
 23. The inverting apparatus of claim 22 whereinthe pivoting means comprises means for simultaneously pivoting the firstand second probes relative to the housing about the third and fourthaxes.
 24. The inverting apparatus of claim 22 wherein the housingincludes a central plate; a mounting plate; and means for reciprocallymoving the mounting plate relative to the central plate, with the firstand second probes being pivotally mounted to the mounting plate of thehousing.
 25. The inverting apparatus of claim 24 wherein thereciprocally moving means comprises a linear actuator mounted to thecentral plate, with the linear actuator having an output shaft, with theoutput shaft being connected to the mounting plate.
 26. The invertingapparatus of claim 25 wherein the reciprocally moving means furthercomprises a slide including a track portion secured to one of thecentral plate and the mounting plate and a slide portion secured to theother of the central plate and the mounting plate.
 27. Apparatus forinverting an article having a first surface and an opposing secondsurface, comprising, in combination: a first probe having a pin forremovable attachment to the article; a second probe having a pin forremovable attachment to the article; a housing; means for pivotallymounting the first probe to the housing about a first axis; means forpivotally mounting the second probe to the housing about a second axiswhich is at a constant spacing from the first axis of the first probe;and means for pivoting the first and second probes about the first andsecond axes and relative to the housing comprising, in combination: ablock; means for pivotably mounting the first probe to the block about athird axis; means for pivotably mounting the second probe to the blockabout a fourth axis; and means for moving the block between a firstposition and a second position with the third and fourth axes beingparallel and constantly spaced during movement of the block.
 28. Theinverting apparatus of claim 27 wherein the moving means comprises, incombination: at least a first guide shaft mounted to the housing; meansfor reciprocally mounting the block to the guide shaft; and means forreciprocating the block on the guide shaft.
 29. The inverting apparatusof claim 28 wherein the reciprocating means comprises, in combination: arotary actuator mounted to the housing, with the rotary actuator havingan output shaft; a crank arm connected at a first end to the outputshaft of the rotary actuator; and means for connecting the free end ofthe crank arm to the block.
 30. The inverting apparatus of claim 27wherein the moving means comprises, in combination: a slide comprising atrack portion secured to one of the housing and the block and a slideportion secured to the other of the housing and the block; and means forreciprocating the block on the slide.
 31. The inverting apparatus ofclaim 30 wherein the reciprocating means comprises a linear actuatormounted to the housing, with the linear actuator having an output shaft,with the output shaft being connected to the block.